River Kennet – Brimpton Beat

River level

The lowdown

• The beat covers the water between Brimpton Weir and Kings Bridge. A handy bit of river to know if you’re planning your visit around those two landmarks.
• This is low-lying, rural Kennet country. Expect the sort of weirs, backwaters, bridges and water-meadow surroundings that give the stretch plenty of character.
• The fishery is identified as a Site of Special Scientific Interest, so access is kept to existing routes and the riverside path. No wandering off-piste.
• Each beat is marked with an appropriate sign, which should make finding the right section less of a faff once you’re on the estate.
• The estate says most swims are accessible by vehicle. Handy when you’ve got a barrow-load of kit, although access still follows the permitted routes.
• Night fishing is allowed, and members can fish for up to 48 hours before vacating the river. In winter, that limit may be extended to 72 hours at Wasing Fisheries’ discretion.
• There’s a two-rod maximum per person on the river. The wider River Kennet and Enborne syndicate season runs from 16 June to 14 March.
• Named fish across the fishery include barbel, chub, perch, roach, pike, bream, dace and trout. Proper mixed-river potential, from lively silverfish to chunky barbel and pike.
• Members get access to a locked fisheries building with kitchen and toilet facilities. There’s also a comprehensive bailiff system, so the fishery is clearly well managed.

Methods: The checked details don’t specify particular tactics or swims for trotting, feeder or other approaches. Fishery access, night fishing and the two-rod limit are confirmed.

Access & tickets

The annual River Kennet and Enborne membership fee is £290. Guest permits cost £25.00 and must be booked at least 48 hours ahead through the member, who must provide the guest’s details, vehicle registration and beat selection.

Fish the club names

barbel, chub, perch, roach, pike, bream, trout

Named by Wasing Estate / Wasing Fisheries across its waters, not for this stretch on its own.

Key rules

• Fishing is syndicate-members only; day tickets are not available.
• Guest permits must be booked at least 48 hours in advance.
• A maximum of two guests per river beat per day is permitted.
• The member must provide the guest’s name, vehicle registration and beat selection.
• Guests must arrive and leave with the member.
• Members may fish for up to 48 hours before vacating the river; the winter limit may be extended to 72 hours at Wasing Fisheries’ discretion.
• A maximum of two rods per person is allowed on the river.
• Access is restricted to existing routes and the riverside path.

Where it is